Greg Norman, the former world number one golfer and two-time Open Championship champion, has confirmed he will be replaced as chief executive of LIV Golf. The 69-year-old Australian has held the position since October 2021, ahead of the start of the Saudi-funded circuit’s first official season.

Norman has been a controversial figure in golf’s so-called ‘civil conflict’ between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. His decisions and leadership have been divisive, especially among players and managers of both organizations.

In an interview with U.S. television station WISH-TV, Norman explained his position on changes to his role: “Will there be a new CEO? Yes. I’m okay with that. Will I still have a place and be involved in LIV in some way? Yes. I will always be there. Because the impact that has been created in golf because of LIV is something I’ve been a small part of and I’m proud of that.”

NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN PGA AND LIV

Since June 2023, the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund have been trying to reach an agreement after announcing a preliminary framework for collaboration. However, negotiations have progressed more slowly than expected.

Tiger Woods, a member of the PGA Tour’s policy board, recently expressed frustration at the lack of progress: “All of us who have been part of this process thought it would happen faster. We’d like to have something more concrete and advanced than we have now.”

TRANSITION IN LIV GOLF’S FUTURE

Norman’s departure as CEO could mark a new chapter for LIV Golf, which continues to generate debate about its impact on the golf world. Meanwhile, figures such as Rory McIlroy, a strong supporter of the traditional tours, have long called for a change in leadership to facilitate a resolution between the warring parties.

With the announcement of a new CEO, the future of LIV Golf could take a different direction, although Norman’s influence will still be present to a lesser extent. Negotiations between the traditional tours and the Saudi-funded circuit continue to be a central issue in the golf world.